What is the meaning of lam?

noun

• A rapid escape (as by criminals. )
  • usage: "the thieves made a clean getaway"; "after the expose he had to take it on the lam"
  • synonyms: getaway

verb

• Flee; take to one's heels; cut and run.
  • usage: "If you see this man, run"; "The burglars escaped before the police showed up"
  • synonyms: scat, run, scarper, turn tail, run away, hightail it, bunk, head for the hills, take to the woods, escape, fly the coop, break away
• Give a thrashing to; beat hard.
  • synonyms: thrash, thresh, flail